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NYU Engineers Create Contactless Motion Gear Using Fluid Dynamics

1/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

New York University engineers developed a gear that transmits motion without teeth or direct contact using fluid dynamics.
Led by Professor Jun Zhang of New York University, the team uses a glycerol-water mixture to transfer force between two cylinders, enabling control over rotation speed and direction.
The findings were published in Physical Review Letters.
The work suggests potential applications in soft robotics and in environments where traditional gears fail.

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Story summary

New York University engineers developed a gear that transmits motion without teeth or direct contact using fluid dynamics.
Led by Professor Jun Zhang of New York University, the team uses a glycerol-water mixture to transfer force between two cylinders, enabling control over rotation speed and direction.
The findings were published in Physical Review Letters.
The work suggests potential applications in soft robotics and in environments where traditional gears fail.